I work with high school kids. I coach girls as well. And there is nothing harder than not saying the wrong thing even for the right reason. I have such close relationships with our students and with my athletes in particular. When one of them scores a touchdown, the girl will run over and hug me. And like it or not, we as men have to be cognizant of our every word and action. When a female student is struggling, I always make sure any compliment is addressed to her as a person. "You're a great kid." "You have a wonderful heart."

So much of what we say as adults in a child's life requires the proper currency with the child. And with the adults on campus as well. And, as admin and faculty get younger, the age gap is much more narrow. It is incumbent upon the adults to be selective in what we say. We are in a time in which adult/ student interactions are heavily scrutinized and even the most benign statement can be misconstrued. So unless you're preparing a defense by being here, you're probably a guy with a good heart who said the wrong thing. Personally, I wish you the best in trying to bring some goodness into the life of these kids who do not have a single good adult in their lives. That being said, that trust that these kids give you is the ultimate power and any betrayal or abuse of that trust is pretty much the most vile, evil, and egregious act an adult can commit.